BACK TO ESG FRONTPAGE
BACK
THE WO1RLD
[line] WE LIVE IN
Shipping is essential to global logistics and that importance is only set to increase. With that vital role, shipping also contributes significantly to global emissions. We acknowledge this responsibility and are taking action to improve energy efficiency and reduce our climate impact. At Uni-Tankers, we focus our environmental efforts where they matter most: reducing our fleet’s fuel consumption. The biggest contributor to our greenhouse gas footprint.
To boost global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU) have set ambitious targets for the shipping industry. We welcome these ambitions. That’s why our decarbonization targets are fully aligned with these international standards.
To match the IMO’s “net zero” target, we must significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve net zero will require broad improvements to our business operations, our vessels, and the fuels we use. Both in terms of energy efficiency and decarbonization.
We are actively contributing to shipping’s transition to a low-carbon future, including as part of industry associations where we encourage widespread cooperation and shared targets. Our voyage will not always be smooth sailing, but we know that if we stay the course then we can minimize our emissions.
Reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions
measured in metric tons CO2E
Total greenhouse gas emissions in 2024/25 have increased due to expanded fleet size and activity resulting in higher fuel consumption (see our 2024/25 ESG report for details). However, the addition of newer vessels significantly helps reduce carbon intensity and will enable future reductions, so our long-term decarbonization plan remains on track.
By improving our fleet’s energy efficiency, we do more with less. This is an important priority—particularly short term—as we continue to work on absolute reductions to our greenhouse gas emissions.
To measure energy efficiency, we calculate the carbon intensity of our owned and operated fleet. Essentially, how many grams of CO2E are emitted per tonne of cargo transported per nautical mile.
To reduce our carbon intensity, we are systematically modernizing our fleet with newer, more efficient vessels; we are testing and installing energy-saving devices— from electrical auxiliary power to propeller upgrades and wind-assisted propulsion systems; and we are enhancing vessel data monitoring to improve voyage planning, fuel efficiency, and more. Having reduced our carbon intensity by 40% five years ahead of schedule, we have set a new reduction target of 45% by 2030.
Reduction in carbon intensity
compared to 2008 baseline
To cut our overall greenhouse gas emissions, we focus on where we can make the biggest difference—our fleet’s fuel consumption. In other words, we must replace traditional fossil-based fuels with alternatives that emit less CO2E during their lifecycle.
There are many alternative fuels being discussed as options for global shipping. These include biofuels, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia. To increase their availability and viability, more market investment and research is needed. We contribute with targeted biofuel trials, while also steadily renewing our fleet to prepare for a future where alternative fuels are widely available and adopted.
Our first two biofuel trials focused on B30 biofuel blends (i.e., 30% biofuel, 70% low sulfur marine gasoil—LSMGO) and the next step will be to test a B100 fuel. When it comes to upgrading our fleet, we prioritize the most promising solutions available today. Proven and scalable technology that combines reliability with the potential for meaningful impact.
Total biofuel trials executed
on owned vessels
Unforeseen challenges mean we are unlikely to achieve our goal of 4 completed biofuel trials by the end of 2025. However, we remain committed to conducting trials when possible, so we can better understand the potential of low-carbon fuels in existing engines with minimal modifications.
To boost global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU) have set ambitious targets for the shipping industry. We welcome these ambitions. That’s why our decarbonization targets are fully aligned with these international standards.
To match the IMO’s “net zero” target, we must significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve net zero will require broad improvements to our business operations, our vessels, and the fuels we use. Both in terms of energy efficiency and decarbonization.
We are actively contributing to shipping’s transition to a low-carbon future, including as part of industry associations where we encourage widespread cooperation and shared targets. Our voyage will not always be smooth sailing, but we know that if we stay the course then we can minimize our emissions.
Reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions
measured in metric tons CO2E
Total greenhouse gas emissions in 2024/25 have increased due to expanded fleet size and activity resulting in higher fuel consumption (see our 2024/25 ESG report for details). However, the addition of newer vessels significantly helps reduce carbon intensity and will enable future reductions, so our long-term decarbonization plan remains on track.
By improving our fleet’s energy efficiency, we do more with less. This is an important priority—particularly short term—as we continue to work on absolute reductions to our greenhouse gas emissions.
To measure energy efficiency, we calculate the carbon intensity of our owned and operated fleet. Essentially, how many grams of CO2E are emitted per tonne of cargo transported per nautical mile.
To reduce our carbon intensity, we are systematically modernizing our fleet with newer, more efficient vessels; we are testing and installing energy-saving devices— from electrical auxiliary power to propeller upgrades and wind-assisted propulsion systems; and we are enhancing vessel data monitoring to improve voyage planning, fuel efficiency, and more. Having reduced our carbon intensity by 40% five years ahead of schedule, we have set a new reduction target of 45% by 2030.
Reduction in carbon intensity
compared to 2008 baseline
To cut our overall greenhouse gas emissions, we focus on where we can make the biggest difference—our fleet’s fuel consumption. In other words, we must replace traditional fossil-based fuels with alternatives that emit less CO2E during their lifecycle.
There are many alternative fuels being discussed as options for global shipping. These include biofuels, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia. To increase their availability and viability, more market investment and research is needed. We contribute with targeted biofuel trials, while also steadily renewing our fleet to prepare for a future where alternative fuels are widely available and adopted.
Our first two biofuel trials focused on B30 biofuel blends (i.e., 30% biofuel, 70% low sulfur marine gasoil—LSMGO) and the next step will be to test a B100 fuel. When it comes to upgrading our fleet, we prioritize the most promising solutions available today. Proven and scalable technology that combines reliability with the potential for meaningful impact.
Total biofuel trials executed
on owned vessels
Unforeseen challenges mean we are unlikely to achieve our goal of 4 completed biofuel trials by the end of 2025. However, we remain committed to conducting trials when possible, so we can better understand the potential of low-carbon fuels in existing engines with minimal modifications.
